An “unusually aggressive” wild animal is terrorizing a New Hampshire neighborhood, attacking at least three people in less than two days — as residents were urged to “remain aware of their surroundings.”
The mysterious creature — which witnesses described as a gray fox or a fisher — has been reported attacking people in the Centerra Park area of Lebanon since Sunday, the Lebanon Police Department said Tuesday.
Police believe the same animal is behind all three attacks, but officers have not been able to find the culprit or confirm exactly what it is.
The small, gray animal was filmed charging at two people near a U-Haul truck in a parking lot, according to surveillance video obtained by WMUR.
The creature grabbed one man’s bag before launching after his feet and legs.
The man then kicked the animal, which eventually scrambled under the truck.
The first attack was reported Sunday, with two more reported afterward. The latest happened Monday evening, according to Lebanon police.
Police suspected that a fisher cat was behind the first attack, which occurred near the Centerra Parkway.
“It’s concerning because of the animal attacking people. That’s usually indicative of something being wrong with the animal, most likely rabies,” Lebanon Police Chief Phillip Roberts said, according to WMUR.
“And then, you know, the fact that it’s coming out and scratching and biting at people. That’s obviously a concern to us,” Roberts added.
“Oh my goodness, that’s the scariest thing,” one local told the outlet, adding, “Like there’s not enough to look out for these days, now you gotta look out for fisher cats in the parking lot.”
Police are working with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department to locate the animal and determine whether it is sick.
Residents, employees and visitors in the area are being told to stay away from any wild animal acting aggressively or unusually.
“Do not approach, attempt to capture, feed, or otherwise interact with the animal,” police said
Anyone who spots the animal should move to a safe location and call Lebanon police or Fish and Game.
Police also warned about possible rabies exposure, urging anyone bitten or scratched by a wild animal to wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and seek immediate medical attention.
